Scientific and Useful Profound Research Advancement (SUPRA SCHEME)
The SERB-SUPRA (Scientific and Useful Profound Research Advancement) scheme, developed by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, is designed to fund innovative, disruptive, and high-impact research projects that challenge current scientific paradigms or propose bold new ones.
Unlike standard core research grants, SERB-SUPRA supports proposals that explore unproven hypotheses, disruptive technologies, and transformative ideas. The scheme encourages high-risk, high-reward research with long-term impact across discipline boundaries.
Key Features of SUPRA SCHEME
- Focus on Breakthroughs: Only projects that go beyond incremental progress will be considered.
- Disruptive Potential: Proposals must either challenge existing paradigms or open entirely new scientific avenues.
- Support Duration: Up to 5 years (initial 3 years + 2-year extension upon evaluation).
- Comprehensive Funding: Covers equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, contingency, and overheads.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant Type | Indian citizens; Foreign nationals (incl. OCI/NRI) as per SERB guidelines |
| Affiliation | Regular academic/research position in recognized institution (with ≥5 years service remaining) |
| Institutions | Central/State universities, IITs, NITs, private UGC/AICTE-approved institutes, DSIR-SIRO recognized R&D centres, NGOs (NITI Aayog Darpan-registered) |
| Qualification | Ph.D. in Science/Engineering/Maths or M.D/M.S/M.D.S/M.V.Sc |
| Not Eligible | Project Fellows, INSPIRE Faculty, Ad-hoc or Guest Faculty, Visiting Scientists, Fellows on renewable yearly contracts |
Selection Process
- Phase 1: Screening
- Extended synopsis and CV evaluated
- Phase 2: Peer Review + Presentation
- Full proposal reviewed by experts
✅ Only one proposal per applicant allowed per call
Financial Support
| Component | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | Typically up to ₹80 Lakhs |
| Co-Funding (For Labs) | National labs to share 50% of non-recurring & consumables cost if project cost > ₹80 Lakhs |
| Overheads | Provided as per SERB norms |
| Duration | 3 years + 2 years (extension) |
Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR)
All grantees must undertake SSR activities to benefit other researchers and communities. Additional funds are available under a separate SSR head.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the SERB portal:
🔗 https://www.serbonline.in
Steps to Apply:
- Register/Login on SERB Online Portal
- Complete User Profile (incl. Co-PIs, biodata, etc.)
- Fill proposal details: Title, Summary, Objectives, Outcomes, Budget
- Upload supporting documents in PDF format:
- PI Certificate
- Biodata
- Plagiarism Undertaking
- Endorsement from Head of Institution
- Full proposal in prescribed format
📌 All documents and formats are available on the SERB portal.
Important Notes
- No plagiarism: Strictly prohibited and proposals will undergo similarity checks.
- Mandatory Formats: Use templates provided by SERB only.
- Quotations: Equipment quotes to be uploaded within 1 month of project approval.
Contact & Support
For more information, detailed guidelines, and contact details of program advisors, visit:
🔗 https://www.serb.gov.in
